How To Turn Newspaper Into a Perfect Mixed Media Surface

Hello!  Do you ever wonder how you can reuse newspaper in a crafty way?  A little over a year ago Julie Balzer posted this great technique video showing how to apply gesso to newspaper and then go to town stenciling with acrylic paints.  As you can see below, I had a ton of fun with this technique.  You simply brush gesso onto both sides of a piece of newspaper, let it dry, and then start adding paint with a cosmetic sponge and stencils.   The gesso makes the newspaper feel tough and thicker - less likely to tear.

I also did a piece with reds, pinks and purples (not shown) that I cut up and used for Valentine's Day cards last year.  

Below is a fun Spring card I put together using a piece of this gessoed and painted newspaper for the background.  

 And a close up of the cotton lace, burlap type fabric, and paper flowers across the bottom.

Thanks for stopping by!